Real Madrid News
Real Madrid send second renewal proposal to winger, optimistic of an agreement
Real Madrid’s win over Getafe on Saturday was not enough to stop Barcelona from winning the La Liga title. Yet, the result helped Los Blancos maintain their momentum during a crucial period and was possible only through a Marco Asensio goal.
The 27-year-old has exploded into the campaign despite the rocky start he faced to the 2022/23 season. He has already amassed nine goals and six assists in 28 league appearances this season and is one of the leading options on the right wing.
The Spaniard’s contract in Madrid expires in June and both parties have been working hard towards what initially appeared to be a complicated renewal. MARCA provides an update on Asensio’s situation.
According to the Spanish outlet, Real Madrid have sent Asensio a second renewal offer after the first did not suffice the player’s expectations. The 27-year-old wants more prominence and minutes in the team but knows that he has the club and coach’s complete confidence.
The sensation at the moment leans towards Asensio staying at the club. After all, Florentino Perez himself told the player last January that there would be no problem in renewing his contract.
With at least five more games to go before the season ends, Asensio is Real Madrid’s third-highest goalscorer this season in La Liga and has matched his best numbers for the club. It is thus not surprising that the administration decided to take a U-turn on his renewal.
The Spaniard has no shortage of suitors across the globe. Arch-rivals Barcelona, and most recently Aston Villa are some of the teams that have explored the possibility of signing Asensio.
Real Madrid’s second renewal offer is said to have been received well by Asensio and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached soon. At the moment, however, all focus is on the tie against Manchester City.
One of the biggest positives for Real Madrid from the last season was the breakthrough of young midfielder Thiago Pitarch.
The 19-year-old La Fabrica prospect had been in the first-team dynamics since pre-season under Xabi Alonso, but finally got his senior debut under Alvaro Arbeloa at the turn of the year.
From that moment on, Pitarch did not look back at all, gaining prominence in the team and even starting important matches ahead of established players like Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos.
However, things have not gone as per plans for the teenager this season as he has yet to play a single minute of first-team football.
January loan no longer ruled out
As such, Diario AS now reports that Pitarch would consider leaving Real Madrid on loan during the January transfer window if his situation does not improve.
The teenage midfielder suffered an injury in pre-season which kept him sidelined for a few weeks, denying him an opportunity to start the season under Jose Mourinho.
By the time he returned, the Portuguese tactician had already identified his preferred hierarchy in midfield, with the likes of Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni and Camavinga firmly ahead in the pecking order.
A stark difference from his debut season
In his debut season, Pitarch ended with 16 first-team appearances for Real Madrid with two assists to his name.
In contrast, this term, the academy graduate has been called up to the matchday squad for five games by Mourinho this term, but has yet to play a single minute of football.
Given the situation, he used the international break to jump down to Castilla and play close to 250 minutes across three games, during which he also registered an assist.
The situation is far from ideal for a young talent who needs regular minutes to continue his development and build on his impressive breakthrough campaign.
As such, the possibility of a departure on loan in January could be considered, after Pitarch turned down offers in the summer to stay at Real Madrid.
A lot will depend on how things evolve in the next couple of months, but a temporary exit cannot be ruled out.
Priyanka Roy
May 17, 2023 at 9:46 am
Marco is our one of the most valuable and excellent assets and his performance is undoubtedly superb…. AND…. more game time is also needed….if he gets more play time surely he will surpass Rodrigo Goes (our superb performer)….